WO2019021267A1

WO2019021267A1 - A smart cellphone case

Info

Publication number: WO2019021267A1
Application number: PCT/IL2018/050592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yossef SABARI
Original assignee: Esti Ltd
Current assignee: Esti Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-24
Filing date: 2018-05-31
Publication date: 2019-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-24

Abstract

A cellphone case comprising: a controller, a memory, a screen and a casing containing all components of the cellphone case in a shape that allows the casing to removably attach itself and to enclose at least a back side of a cellphone wherein the screen is facing opposite to a screen of the cellphone when the cellphone is attached thereto.

Description

A SMART CELLPHONE CASE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a smart cellphone case, BACKGROUND

Today, there is a growing use of cellphones and smartphones for a variety of purposes: from the basic functionality as a phone, to watching videos on the smartphone screen, playing music through the smartphone's speakers or through earphones connected to the smartphone, surfing the web, checking emails on the move, and even using the smartphone as a paying means via Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled devices.

Most cellphones run a mobile Operating System. (OS) that has features that are useful for mobile or handheld usage. Each mobile OS has its own set of features, and many times these features are incompatible between one mobile OS to the other. The mobile OS can run a variety of software applications. An application that runs on one mobile OS does not work on another mobile OS, and a specialized version of the application has to be prepared in order to work on other mobile OSs. Thus, the smartphone market suffers from segmentation of features and application, by the type of mobile OS the smartphone runs.

In addition, the common use of cellphones and smartphones, and their relative fragility, have created a need for cellphone cases. Cellphone cases are designed to attach to, support, or otherwise hold the cellphone or smartphone. Some cases can be made of plastic or rubber and may protect the cellphone or smartphone from damage in case the phone drops. However, current cases are simple, they lack processing power, memory or a screen, and they do not solve the above segmentation problem.

There is thus a need in the art for a smart cellphone case,

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a cellphone case comprising: a controller, a memory, a screen and a casing containing all components of the cellphone case in a shape that allows the casing to removably attach itself and to enclose at least a back side of a cellphone wherein the screen is facing opposite to a screen of the cellphone when the cellphone is attached thereto.

In some cases, the controller is configured to run a mobile Operating System (OS). In some cases, the mobile OS is different from a mobile OS running on the cellphone.

In some cases, the controller is furthered configured to: receive a content of the display of the cellphone, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, the connection being capable of transmitting the content between the cellphone case and the cellphone; and display the content on the screen.

In some cases, the content is live video originating from a rear-facing camera of the cellphone, thereby enabling a user of the cellphone to take a picture utilizing the rear- facing camera of the cellphone while viewing the content on the display.

In some cases, the content is displayed both on the screen and on the screen of the cellphone, allowing two or more users, of the cellphone, to simultaneously view the content.

In some cases, at least two of the users are facing each other with the cellphone case located therebetween.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, capable of communicating with NFC enabled devices and the controller is further configured to preform NFC communication, utilizing the NFC module.

In some cases, the NFC module is positioned in the casing such that it is distant from an NFC module of the cellphone, so that the NFC module and the NFC module of the cellphone do not interfere with the operation of each other.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a first e-wailet application, running on the controller and capable of transferring payments to NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module.

In some cases, a second e-wallet application, running on a second controller of the cellphone cannot transfer payments to the NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module of the cellphone.

In some cases, the first e-wallet application debits the second e-wallet application.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a rechargeable power unit, capable of connecting to a power outlet through an electrical cord. In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a male connector, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the cellphone, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of electric current between the cellphone case and the cellphone and wherein the power unit can charge a power unit of the cellphone, through the physical connection.

In some cases, the power cord type is different from a power cord type used by the cellphone.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises an induction coil, connected to the rechargeable power unit and capable of wirelessly recharging the rechargeable power unit, using an inductive charging pad.

In some cases, the casing is internally arranged as to allow wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad and the screen of the cellphone is facing away from the inductive charging pad.

In some cases, the internal arrangement includes: (a) the induction coil, located adjacently to an inner side of the screen; and (b) a reflective metallic materia! layer that is sprayed on the inner side of the screen, covering the inner side of the screen and covering the induction coil, to completely seal the inner side of the screen, allowing the screen to display graphics without disruption from the induction coil, and allowing for wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad.

In some cases, the screen is a touch screen, capable of receiving user input through touch.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a wireless radio, capable of establishing a wireless connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of data between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a male connector, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the cellphone, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of data and electric current between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

In some cases, the controller is furthered configured to play a music file by making use of one or more speakers of the cellphone and utilizing a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting data streams, representing the music file, between the cellphone case and the cellphone. In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises a speaker, a microphone and one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slots, enabling the cellphone case to operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM card/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises one or more Subscriber

Identity Module (SIM) card slots, enabling the cellphone case to operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM card/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s by utilizing a speaker and a microphone of the cellphone.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises at least one memory card slot and wherein the controller is further configured to read and write data to a removal memory card inserted into the memory card slot.

In some cases, the controller is further configured to backup information from the cellphone to the memory card, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting information between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

In some cases, the cellphone case further comprises an Infra-Red (IR) module, capable of emitting IR signals and wherein the controller is further configured to utilize the IR module to command IR enabled appliances.

In some cases, the IR module is controlled by an application running on the second controller of the cellphone.

In some cases, the headphone jack plays sounds coming from a first application running on the controller, receiving streams of sounds from a second application running on the second controller of the cellphone, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting streams of sounds between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

In some cases, the casing further comprises openings for one or more speakers of the cellphone and an opening for one or more rear'- facing camera of the cellphone.

In accordance with a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a cellphone comprising: a screen, a rechargeable power unit and an induction coil, wherein the induction coil is connected to the rechargeable power unit and is capable of wirelessly recharging the rechargeable power unit, using an inductive charging pad, the induction coil located adjacently to an inner side of the screen and a reflective metallic material layer that is sprayed on the inner side of the screen, covering the inner side of the screen and covering the induction coil, to completely seal the inner side of the screen, allowing the screen to display graphics without disruption from the induction coil, and allowing for wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig, 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of a cellphone case, a cellphone and an inductive charging pad and the connections therebetween, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating one example of an external front view of a cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating one example of a front 3D perspective view of a cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence of operations carried out by a cellphone case for displaying content, received from the display of a cellphone, on the screen of the cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter; and

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence of operations carried out by a first e- wallet application, running on the controller of a cellphone case, in order to transfer a payment to an NFC enabled device, wherein a second e-wallet application, running on the second controller of the cellphone, cannot transfer the payment to the NFC enabled device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter,

in the drawings and descriptions set forth, identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "transmit", "receive", "display", "run", "play" or the like, include action and/or processes of a computer that manipulate and/or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical quantities, e.g. such as electronic quantities, and/or said data representing the physical objects. The terms "computer", "processor", and "controller" should be expansively constmed to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, a personal desktop/laptop computer, a server, a computing system, a communication device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart television, a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), any other electronic computing device, and/or any combination thereof.

The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non- transitory computer readable storage medium. The term "non-transitory" is used herein to exclude transitory, propagating signals, but to otherwise include any volatile or nonvolatile computer memory technology suitable to the application.

As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for instance" and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

It is appreciated that, unless specifically stated otherwise, certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, fewer, more and/or different stages than those shown in Figs. 4-5 may be executed. In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter one or more stages illustrated in Figs. 4-5 may be executed in a different order and/or one or more groups of stages may be executed simultaneously. Figs. 1-3 illustrate a general schematic of the system architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Each module in Figs. 1-3 can be made up of any combination of software, hardware and/or firmware that performs the functions as defined and explained herein. The modules in Figs. 1-3 may be centralized in one location or dispersed over more than one location. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the system may comprise fewer, more, and/or different modules than those shown in Figs. 1-3.

Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to Fig. 1, is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of a cellphone case, a cellphone and an inductive charging pad and the connections therebetween, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

According to certain examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the environment 10, include a cellphone case 100. Cellphone case 100 can be a case of a cellphone 100. It is to be noted that cellphone 1 10 may be a smartphone, a phablet, a tablet or any other portable computing device and that cellphone case 100 may be a case of any one of these devices, mutatis mutandis.

Cellphone case 100 comprises a casing that contains all components of cellphone case 100 in a shape that allows the casing to removably attach itself to the backside of cellphone 110. The cellphone case comprises a screen 135, as further shown in Fig. 2. The casing may enclose at least a back side of cellphone 110 wherein the screen 135 of the cellphone case 100 is facing opposite to a screen of cellphone 110 when the cellphone case 100 is attached thereto.

Cellphone case 100 can comprise or be otherwise associated with a memory module 145 (e.g. a database, a storage system, a memory including Read Only Memory - ROM, Random Access Memory - RAM, or any other type of memory, etc.) configured to store data, including, inter alia, mobile OS files and data, application data, music and video files, backup data, etc., as further detailed herein. In some cases, memory module 145 can be further configured to enable retrieval and/or update and/or deletion of the stored data. It is to be noted that in some cases, memory module 145 can be distributed.

The cellphone case 100 further includes a cellphone case controller 130. Cellphone case controller 130 can be one or more processing units (e.g. central processing units), microprocessors, microcontrollers (e.g. microcontroller units (MCUs)) or any other computing devices or modules, including multiple and/or parallel and/or distributed processing units, which are adapted to independently or cooperatively process data for controlling relevant cellphone case 100 resources and for enabling operations related to cellphone case 100 resources.

The cellphone case controller 130 can comprise one or more of the following modules: a resources sharing management module 192 and an NFC management module 194. Resource sharing management module 192 can be configured to enable sharing resources between the cellphone 110 and the cellphone case 100, as further detailed herein, inter alia with reference to Fig. 4. NFC management module 194 can be configured to enable management of communication between the cellphone case 100 and other NFC enabled devices as further detailed herein, inter alia with reference to Fig. 5.

The cellphone case controller 130 may be configured to run a mobile OS. The mobile OS has features that are useful for mobile or handheld usage. For example: running applications that are fitted for mobile environments. In some cases, the mobile OS is different than the mobile OS running on cellphone's 110 controller. For example: cellphone case controller 130 may run a certain version of an Android mobile OS, while cellphone's 110 controller is running a certain version of an iOS mobile OS.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise a. communication module 140. The communication module 140 may comprise a physical connection (e.g. a thunderbolt connection, USB-C connection, etc.), wherein cellphone case 100 comprises a male connector of the physical connection, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the physical connection, located at cellphone 110, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110, enabling transmission of data (such as: files, video stream, music streams, backup data, etc.) and of electric current between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110.

Communication module 140 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a wireless radio enabling one or more wireless connections (e.g. a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, etc.), to be established between cellphone case 100 and cellphone 110, enabling transmission of data (such as: files, video stream, music streams, backup data, etc.) between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110.

The cellphone case controller 130 may be further configured to transfer data (such as: files, video stream, music streams, backup data, etc.) between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110 and/or between the cellphone 110 and the cellphone case 100, by utilizing the physical connection and/or the wireless connection of the communication module 140. In some cases, the cellphone case controller 130 may be furtiiered configured to play a music file by making use of one or more speakers of the cellphone 110 and to transmit data streams, representing the music file, from the cellphone case 100 to the cellphone 110 via communication module 140.

As indicated herein, the cellphone case 100, may further comprise a screen 135 (e.g. an LCD screen, an OLED screen, etc. ), capable of displaying content. In some cases, the content may be received from cellphone 11.0, via. communication module 140. For example: the content may be a video stream originating from cellphone 110, transmitted via the communication module 140 (via a physical connection or via a wireless connection) to cellphone case 100 and displayed on screen 135, as further detailed herein, inter alia with reference to Fig. 4.

The content may be displayed both on the screen 135 and on a screen of the cellphone 110, allowing two or more users of cellphone 110, to simultaneously view the content. In some cases, at least two of the users are facing each other with cellphone case 100 located therebetween, thereby allowing at least one user to view the content on screen 135 while at least one additional user views the content simultaneously on the screen of cellphone 110.

In some cases, the content may be live video originating from a camera of cellphone 110, thereby enabling a user of cellphone 110 to take a picture utilizing the camera of cellphone 110 while viewing the content on the display 135. In some cases, the camera of cellphone 110 is a rear-facing camera of cellphone 110. For example: a user of cellphone 110 may be holding cellphone 1.10 in his hand while cellphone case 100 is attached to the back of cellphone 110. The user may be holding cellphone 110 in such a way that the screen of cellphone 110 is facing away from the user and the rear-facing camera of cellphone 1 10 is facing towards the user, thus screen 135 is also facing towards the user. In such a case, the user will view the live video content originating from the rear-facing camera of cellphone 110 on screen 135, enabling the user to take a picture of himself (i.e. a selfie) while viewing the content on the display 135. It is to be noted that in many cellphones 110 there is a forward-facing camera intended to be used by user to take pictures of himself (i.e. a selfie). In many cases, the rear-facing camera has at least one property (e.g. resolution, zoom, sensitivity, etc.) in which it is better than a forward- facing camera of cellphone 110. In these cases, the user will be able to take a picture of himself (i.e. a selfie) utilizing the rear-facing camera of cellphone 110 (having the at least one property (e.g. resolution, zoom, sensitivity, etc.) in which it is better than a forward- facing camera of cellphone 110) while viewing the content on the display 135.

Screen 135 may be a touchscreen, capable of receiving user input through direct user touch or using a stylus pen.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise an NFC module 150. NFC is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a cellphone, to establish communication by bringing them within close distance of each other (depending on various parameters, however usually a distance of up to about 4cm). NFC devices are often used in contactless payment systems (i.e. PayPass system, payWave system, Android Pay system, etc.). NFC module 150 is capable of communicating with NFC enabled devices and cellphone case controller 130 is further configured to preform NFC communication, utilizing the NFC module 150. In some cases, cellphone 110 does not include an NFC module, thus a user of cellphone 110, which cellphone case 100 is attached to, will be able to communicate with NFC enabled devices through the cellphone case's 100 NFC module 150.

In some cases, cellphone 110 includes an NFC module. In these cases, the NFC module 150 is positioned in the cellphone case 100 casing such that it is distant from the NFC module of cellphone 1 10, so that the NFC module 150 and the NFC module of the cellphone 1 10 do not interfere with the operation of each other, or so that the mutual interference is minimal.

In some cases, the cellphone case controller 130, is further configured to run an e-wallet application, capable of transferring payments to NFC enabled devices, utilizing NFC module 150. In these cases, a user of cellphone 110 will be able to transfer payments to NFC enabled devices while debiting the e-wallet application. For example: a user of cellphone 110, which celiphone case 100 is attached to, may bring the cellphone case 100 to a close distance from an NFC enabled payment device (such as: a PayPass device, a payWave device, Android Pay device, etc.), thus transferring a payment through the NFC module 150, while debiting the e- wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130.

In some cases, the cellphone 11.0 may run another e- wallet application that is compatible with specific NFC devices only. In these cases, a user of cellphone 110 will be able to transfer payments to NFC enabled devices, even if those devices are not compatible with the other e-wallet application, running on the cellphone's 110 controller, by utilizing the NFC module 150 and debiting the e-wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130. In these cases, the e-wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130 may debit the other e-waliet application, running on the cellphone's 1 10 controller as further detailed herein, inter alia with reference to Fig. 5. For example: a user of cellphone 110, which cellphone case 100 is attached to, may bring the cellphone case 100 to a close distance (depending on various parameters, however usually a distance of up to about 4cm) from an NFC enabled payment device, that is not supported by cellphone 1 10 (such as: an Android Pay device), thus transferring a payment through the NFC module 150, while debiting the e-wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130. The e-wallet application will debit the other e-waliet application, running on the cellphone's 110 controller, thus enabling the user of cellphone 110 to transfer a payment to an NFC device not supported by cellphone 110.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise a rechargeable power unit 155 (e.g. battery, such as a lithium ion battery), capable of powering the cellphone case 100 and capable of temporarily connecting to a power outlet through an electrical cord, in order to recharge. In some cases, the electrical cord end that is connected to the cellphone case 100 is different from, an electrical cord end that is connected to the cellphone 110. For example: cellphone case 100 may be compatible with a USB-C type electrical cord end, while cellphone 1 10 may be compatible with a thunderbolt type electrical cord end. In other cases, the electrical cord end of the electric cord of the cellphone case 100 can be identical to an electrical cord end of an electrical cord connectable to cellphone 110.

In some cases, cellphone case 100 may charge a rechargeable power unit of cellphone 110, by transmission of electric current between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110, through the physical connection of communication module 140.

In some cases, environment 10 may further include an inductive charging pad 120. Current cellphones 110 have included, is some cases, solutions for inductive charging. but these solutions do not enable charging die cellphone 110 through the cellphone's 110 screen, thus for current inductive charging to work the cellphone's 110 back has to be facing the inductive charging pad 120. The disclosed cellphone case 100 solves this problem by an internal arrangement of its casing, that allows for inductive charging while the cellphone case's 100 screen 13S is facing the inductive charging pad, as further explained herein. The inductive charging pad 120 is capable of transferring energy from the inductive charging pad 120, through electromagnetic induction, to an induction coil 160 comprised in the cellphone case 100 and connected to the rechargeable power unit 1SS. In these cases, the induction coil 160, is capable of wirelessly recharging the rechargeable power unit 1SS. The casing of the cellphone case 100 may be internally arranged as to allow wireless charging of the rechargeable power unit 1SS, through the induction coil 160, while the screen 13S is facing the inductive charging pad 120 and the screen of the cellphone 110 is facing away from the inductive charging pad 120. For example, a user of cellphone 110, that cellphone case 100 is attached to, may place cellphone 110 on the inductive charging pad 120, while cellphone case 110 is facing the inductive charging pad 120, in a way that the cellphone case 110 is in close proximity of the inductive charging pad 120, and the screen of the cellphone may face away from the inductive charging pad 120. The inductive charging pad 120 may then wirelessly charge the induction coil 160, through electromagnetic induction. The induction coil 160 will then charge the rechargeable power unit 1SS. In some cases, the rechargeable power unit 1SS will, in addition, charge the rechargeable power unit of the cellphone 110, by transmission of electric current between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110, through the physical connection of communication module 140.

In some cases, the internal arrangement of the casing of the cellphone case 100 includes the induction coil 160, located adjacently to an inner side of the screen 135 and a reflective metallic material layer that is sprayed on the inner side of the screen 13S, covering the inner side of the screen 13S and covering the induction coil 160, to completely seal the inner side of the screen 135, allowing the screen to display content without disruption from the induction coil 160, and allowing for wireless charging of the power unit 155, through the induction coil 160, while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad 120.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise a speaker 170, a microphone 175 and one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot/s 165, enabling the cellphone case 100 to operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM caid/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s 165. la some cases, the cellphone case 100 may operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM caid/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s 165 by utilizing a speaker and a microphone of the cellphone 110.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise at least one memory card slot/s 180 and the cellphone case controller 130 may be further configured to read and write data to a removable memory card inserted into the memory card slot/s 180.

In some cases, the cellphone case controller 130 is further configured to backup selected information, or a mirror copy of the entire cellphone 110 file system, from the cellphone 110 to the memory card, through the physical connection and/or the wireless connection of comrmmication module 140.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise an Infra-Red (IR) module 185, capable of emitting IR signals and the cellphone case controller 130 may be further configured to utilize the IR module 185 to command IR enabled appliances (i.e. televisions, audio systems, air conditioning systems, etc.). m some cases, cellphone 110 lacks IR capability, hence having such capabilities in the cellphone case 110 is beneficial, m some cases, the IR module 185 is controlled by an application nmning on the second controller of the cellphone 110. For example: a user of cellphone 110, that the cellphone case 100 is attached to, can operate an air conditioning system by utilizing an application numing on the controller of cellphone 110. The application transfers the user commands to the cellphone case controller 130, through the communication module 140, and the cellphone case controller 130 may transmit the user operations to the air conditioning system via the IR module 18S.

Cellphone case 100 may further comprise a headphone jack 190, capable of emitting sound signals to a connected sound playing device, m some cases, the headphone jack 190 plays sounds coming from a first application running on the cellphone case controller 130, receiving streams of sounds from a second application numing on the second controller of the cellphone 110, through a physical connection and/or a wireless connection of the communication module 140.

Attention is now drawn to Fig. 2, showing a diagram schematically iUustrating one example of an external front view of a cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter. Shown is cellphone case 100 that can include a casing. The casing may be a hard shell that, when housing a cellphone 110, at least partially surrounds and protects cellphone 1 10, thus allowing the cellphone case 100 to removably attach itself and to enclose at least a back side of cellphone 1 10. The cellphone case 100 may additionally include a screen 135, wherein the screen 135 is facing opposite to a screen of cellphone 110 when the cellphone case 100 is attached thereto. The cellphone case 100 may additionally include an opening for a rear-camera 210, located on the back side of the cellphone 100 and an opening for a flash 220 located on the back side of the cellphone 100.

For example, the cellphone case 100 may be attached to a back side of cellphone

110 by enclosing the backside of cellphone 100. In this example openings 210 and 220 are located in front of the rear-camera and the flash of cellphone 110 respectively, thus allowing the rear-camera and the flash of cellphone 110 to operate correctly, with no interface from the cellphone case 100, while allowing cellphone case 100 to remain safely attached to cellphone 110.

Turning to Fig. 3, a diagram schematically illustrating one example of a front 3D perspective view of a cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

Shown is cellphone case 100. Cellphone case 100 may include a male connector 310, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the physical connection, located at cellphone 110, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110, enabling transmission of data (such as: files, video stream, music streams, backup data, etc.) and/or of electric current between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110. For example: the male connector 310 may be a thunderbolt male connector, thereby capable of connecting to a female thunderbolt connector of cellphone 110 (e.g. an iPhone device, an iPad device, etc.).

In addition, cellphone case 100 may include an opening for an electrical cord end female connector 320 and an opening for a headphone jack 330.

For example, cellphone case 100 may be attached to a back side of cellphone 110 by enclosing the backside and at least part of the bottom side of cellphone 100. In this example openings 320 and 330 are located in front of electiical cord end female connector and a headphones jack respectively. This setting may allow for a headphone to be connected to the headphone jack 190, with no interface from the cellphone case 100, while allowing cellphone case 100 to remain safely attached to cellphone 110. In addition, this setting may allow for an electrical cord end to be connected to the electrical cord end female connector, and through it to rechargeable power unit 155, with no interface from the cellphone case 100, while allowing cellphone case 100 to remain safely attached to cellphone 110.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence of operations carried out by a cellphone case for displaying content, received from the display of a cellphone, on the screen of the cellphone case, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, cellphone case 110 can be configured to execute a resource sharing management processes 400, utilizing resource sharing management module 192.

For this purpose, cellphone case 100 can be configured to receive a content of the display of the cellphone 1 10, utilizing the physical connection and/or the wireless connection of the communication module 140. The communication module 140 being capable of transmitting the content between the cellphone case and the cellphone (block 410). After receiving the content, cellphone case controller 130 may display the content on the screen 135. In some cases, the content may be displayed both on the screen 135 and on a screen of the cellphone 110, allowing two or more users of cellphone 1 10, to simultaneously view the content, (block 420).

It is to be noted, that although the above example refers to sharing content displayed on the cellphone 110 display, resource sharing management module 192 may be utilized to transfer any type of data (such as: files, video stream, music streams, backup data, etc.) between the cellphone case 100 and the cellphone 110 and/or between the cellphone 110 and the cellphone case 100, by utilizing the physical connection and/or the wireless connection of the communication module 140.

It is to be noted that, with reference to Fig. 4, some of the blocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be broken down to a few blocks and/or other blocks may be added. It is to be further noted that some of the blocks are optional. It should be also noted that whilst the flow diagram is described also with reference to the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than those described herein. Turning to Fig. 5, a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence of operations carried out by a first e-wallet application, running on the controller of the smart cellphone case, in order to transfer a payment to an NFC enabled device, wherein a second e-wallet application, running on the second controller of the cellphone, cannot transfer the payment to the NFC enabled device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, cellphone case 100 can be configured to execute an NFC management processes 500, utilizing NFC management module 194,

For this purpose, there is provided a first e-wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130, and capable of transferring payments to NFC enabled de vices and a second e-wallet application, running on a second controller of the cellphone 110, uncappable of transferring payments to the NFC enabled devices (block 510). Cellphone case 100 can be configured to use, the first e-wallet application, to transfer a payment to the NFC enabled device, utilizing an NFC module 1.50 of the cellphone case 100 (block 520). After transferring of the payment to the NFC enabled device, cellphone case 100 may be further configured to debit the second e-waliet application, by the first e-wallet application, for the sum of the payment, thus enabling the user of cellphone 110 to transfer a payment to an NFC device, not supported by cellphone 110 (block 530). For example: a user of cellphone 110, which cellphone case 100 is attached to, wishes to pay utilizing an NFC enabled payment device, that is not supported by the e-waliet application running on the controller of cellphone 110. The user may use cellphone case 100, by bringing cellphone case 100 to a close distance (depending on various parameters, however usually a distance of up to about 4cm) from the NFC enabled payment device, thus transferring a payment through the NFC module 150, while debiting the e-wallet application, running on the cellphone case controller 130. The e-wallet application will debit the other e-wallet application, running on the cellphone's 110 controller, thus enabling the user of cellphone 110 to transfer a payment to an NFC device that is not supported by the e-wallet application running on the controller of cellphone 110.

It is to be noted that, with reference to Fig, 5, some of the biocks can be integrated into a consolidated block or can be broken down to a few biocks and/or other blocks may be added. Furthermore, in some cases, the blocks can be performed in a different order than described herein (for example, block 530 can be performed before block 520, etc. ). It is to be further noted that some of the blocks are optional. It should be also noted that whilst the flow diagram is described also with reference to the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means binding, and the blocks can be performed by elements other than those described herein.

It is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present presently disclosed subject matter.

It will also be understood that the system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be implemented, at least partly, as a suitably programmed computer. Likewise, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the disclosed method. The presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates a machine -readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the disclosed method.

Claims

Claims:

1. A cellphone case comprising: a controller, a memory, a screen and a casing containing all components of the cellphone case in a shape that allows the casing to removably attach itself and to enclose at least a back side of a cellphone wherein the screen is facing opposite to a screen of the cellphone when the cellphone is attached thereto.

2. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to run a mobile Operating System (OS).

3. The cellphone case of claim 2, wherein the mobile OS is different from a mobile OS running on the cellphone.

4. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the controller is furthered configured to:

receive a content of the display of the cellphone, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, the connection being capable of transmitting the content between the cellphone case and the cellphone; and

display the content on the screen.

5. The cellphone case of claim 4, wherein the content is live video originating from a rear-facing camera of the cellphone, thereby enabling a user of the cellphone to take a picture utilizing the rear-facing camera of the cellphone while viewing the content on the display.

6. The cellphone case of claim 4, wherein the content is displayed both on the screen and on the screen of the cellphone, allowing two or more users, of the cellphone, to simultaneously view the content.

7. The cellphone case of claim 6, wherein at least two of the users are facing each other with the cellphone case located therebetween.

8. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a Near Field Communication (NFC ) module, capable of communicating with NFC enabled devices and the controller is further configured to preform NFC communication, utilizing the NFC module.

9. The cellphone case of claim 8, wherein the NFC module is positioned in the casing such that it is distant from an NFC module of the cellphone, so that the NFC module and the NFC module of the cellphone do not interfere with the operation of each other.

10. The cellphone case of claim 8, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a first e- wallet application, running on the controller and capable of transferring payments to NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module.

11. The cellphone case of claim 10, wherein a second e- wallet application, running on a second controller of the cellphone cannot transfer payments to the NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module of the cellphone.

12. The cellphone case of claim 1 1 , wherein the first e-wallet application debits the second e-wallet application.

13. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a rechargeable power unit, capable of connecting to a power outlet through an electrical cord.

14. The cellphone case of claim 13, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a male connector, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the cellphone, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of electric current between the cellphone case and the cellphone and wherein the power unit can charge a power unit of the cellphone, through the physical connection.

15. The cellphone case of claim 14, wherein the power cord type is different from a power cord type used by the cellphone.

16. The cellphone case of claim 1.3, wherein the cellphone case further comprises an induction coil, connected to the rechargeable power unit and capable of wirelessly recharging the rechargeable power unit, using an inductive charging pad.

17. The cellphone case of claim 16, wherein the casing is internally arranged as to allow wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad and the screen of the cellphone is facing away from, the inductive charging pad.

18. The cellphone case of claim 17, wherein the internal arrangement includes: (a) the induction coil, located adjacently to an inner side of the screen; and (b) a reflective metallic material layer that is sprayed on the inner side of the screen, covering the inner side of the screen and covering the induction coil, to completely seal the inner side of the screen, allowing the screen to display graphics without disruption from the induction coil, and allowing for wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad.

19. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the screen is a touch screen, capable of receiving user input through touch.

20. The cellphone case of claim. 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a wireless radio, capable of establishing a wireless connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of data between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

21. The cellphone case of claim I, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a male connector, capable of physically connecting to a mating female connector of the cellphone, thereby establishing a physical connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, enabling transmission of data and electric current between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

22. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the controller is furthered configured to play a music file by making use of one or more speakers of the cellphone and utilizing a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting data streams, representing the music file, between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

23. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a speaker, a microphone and one or more Subscriber identity Module (SIM) card slots, enabling the cellphone case to operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM card/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s.

24. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slots, enabling the cellphone case to operate as a standalone cellphone, when appropriate SIM card/s are inserted into the SIM card slot/s by utilizing a speaker and a microphone of the cellphone.

25. The cellphone case of claim I, wherein the cellphone case further comprises at least one memory card slot and wherein the controller is further configured to read and write data to a removal memory card inserted into the memory card slot.

26. The cellphone case of claim 25, wherein the controller is further configured to backup information from the cellphone to the memory card, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting information between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

27. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises an infra-Red (1R) module, capable of emitting 1R signals and wherein the controller is further configured to utilize the iR module to command IR enabled appliances.

28. The cellphone case of claim 27, wherein the IR module is controlled by an application running on the second controller of the cellphone.

29. The cellphone case of claim. 1, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a headphone jack, capable of emitting sound signals to a connected sound playing device.

30. The cellphone case of claim 29, wherein the headphone jack plays sounds coming from a first application running on the controller, receiving streams of sounds from a second application running on the second controller of the cellphone, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting streams of sounds between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

31. The cellphone case of claim 1, wherein the casing further comprises openings for one or more speakers of the cellphone and an opening for one or more rear- facing camera of the cellphone.

32. A cellphone comprising: a screen, a rechargeable power unit and an induction coil, wherein the induction coil is connected to the rechargeable power unit and is capable of wirelessly recharging the rechargeable power unit, using an inductive charging pad, the induction coil located adjacently to an inner side of the screen and a reflective metallic material layer that is sprayed on the inner side of the screen, covering the inner side of the screen and covering the induction coil, to completely seal the inner side of the screen, allowing the screen to display graphics without disruption from the induction coil, and allowing for wireless charging of the power unit while the screen is facing the inductive charging pad.

33. A method comprising: running a mobile OS by a controller of a cellphone case, the cellphone case comprising of the controller, a memory, a screen and a casing containing all components of the cellphone case in a shape that allows the casing to removably attach itself and to enclose at least a back side of a cellphone wherein the screen is facing opposite to a screen of the cellphone when the cellphone is attached thereto.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the mobile OS is different from a mobile OS running on the cellphone.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

receiving, by the controller, a content of the display of the cellphone, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, the connection being capable of transmitting the content between the cellphone case and the cellphone; and

displaying the content on the screen.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the content is live video originating from a rear-facing camera of the cellphone, thereby enabling a user of the cellphone to take a picture utilizing the rear- facing camera of the cellphone while viewing the content on the display.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the content is displayed both on the screen and on the screen of the cellphone, allowing two or more users, of the cellphone, to simultaneously view the content.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein at least two of the users are facing each other with the cellphone case located therebetween.

39. The method of claim 33, further comprising communicating, by the controller, with NFC enabled devices, utilizing an NFC module, capable of communicating with NFC enabled devices, wherein the NFC module is comprised within the cellphone case.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the NFC module is positioned in the casing such that it is distant from an NFC module of the cellphone, so that the NFC module and the NFC module of the cellphone do not interfere with the operation of each other.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the cellphone case further comprises a first e-wallet application, running on the controller and capable of transferring payments to NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein a second e-wallet application, running on a second controller of the cellphone, cannot transfer payments to the NFC enabled devices, utilizing the NFC module of the cellphone.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first e-wallet application debits the second e-wallet application.

44. The method of claim 33, further comprising reading and writing, by the controller, into one or more memory cards, wherein the memory cards are inserted into at least one memory card slots, the memory card slots are comprised within the cellphone case.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising backing up, by the controller, of information from the cellphone to the memory card, through a connection between the cellphone case and the cellphone, capable of transmitting information between the cellphone case and the cellphone.

46. The method of claim 33, further comprising commanding IR enabled appliances, by the controller, utilizing LR module, capable of emitting IR signals, the IR module is comprised within the cellphone case.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the IR module is controlled by an application running on the second controller of the cellphone.